Next Brazilian president faces rising public debt and pressure to cut spending

Brazil’s next president will take office in 2027 with public debt of R$11.1 trillion, which is growing faster than the economy.

The article says the government’s budget gap is a major reason for the debt and also points to the cost of pensions.

Lula says he will manage public finances better, while Flávio Bolsonaro promises a budget surplus and spending cuts.

The article argues that both plans leave important questions unanswered.